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− | | date_of_birth =June 18, | + | | date_of_birth =June 18, 1931 |
− | | place_of_birth = | + | | place_of_birth = Jacksonville,Duval,Florida,USA |
− | | date_of_death =April 19, | + | | date_of_death =April 19, 2004 |
− | | place_of_death = | + | | place_of_death = |
| occupation =Music director | | occupation =Music director | ||
| religion =Presbyterian | | religion =Presbyterian | ||
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'''Dr. Grier Moffatt Williams Sr.''' (June 19 1931 - April 19 2004) was a music director and educator best known for his 17-year tenure with the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. He also served as choir director of [[First Presbyterian Church]] for 20 years. | '''Dr. Grier Moffatt Williams Sr.''' (June 19 1931 - April 19 2004) was a music director and educator best known for his 17-year tenure with the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. He also served as choir director of [[First Presbyterian Church]] for 20 years. | ||
− | ==Early Life, Family, Education | + | ==Early Life, Family, and Education== |
− | Williams was born on June 18, | + | Williams was born on June 18, 1931 in Tampa, Florida to Jonathan Beatty Williams and Mary Agnes Moffatt Williams. His father was a Biology teacher at H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, before he opened a surgical supply store in Jacksonville. Williams's maternal grandfather, James S. Moffatt, was the president of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erskine_College Erskine College] in South Carolina from 1907 until 1921. Williams's great-grandfather, W.M. Grier, served as President, as well as his great-great grandfather, R.C. Grier, and grand-uncle, R.E. Grier. Williams attended Davidson College, where he met his wife, [[Louise Harvin Williams|Louise Harvin]]. A lifelong musician, his instrument of choice was the trumpet. |
− | + | Williams founded the [[UWF Music Department|Music Department]] of the nascent [[University of West Florida]] in [[1967]] and helped it earn national accreditation. | |
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− | Williams founded the [[UWF Music Department|Music Department]] of the nascent [[University of West Florida]] in [[ | ||
In [[1979]], he was asked to serve as interim music director and conductor of the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. Under his leadership, the PSO broadened its repertoire, increased ticket sales, and moved its performance venue from the [[Pensacola High School]] auditorium to the newly-renovated [[Saenger Theatre]] in [[1982]]. | In [[1979]], he was asked to serve as interim music director and conductor of the [[Pensacola Symphony Orchestra]]. Under his leadership, the PSO broadened its repertoire, increased ticket sales, and moved its performance venue from the [[Pensacola High School]] auditorium to the newly-renovated [[Saenger Theatre]] in [[1982]]. | ||
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Williams retired from the PSO in [[1996]]. He was succeeded by [[Peter Rubardt]], who praised Williams for setting the orchestra "on a path to professionalism." | Williams retired from the PSO in [[1996]]. He was succeeded by [[Peter Rubardt]], who praised Williams for setting the orchestra "on a path to professionalism." | ||
− | He passed away on April 19, [[2004]] while recovering from a heart attack. | + | He passed away on [[April 19]], [[2004]] while recovering from a heart attack. |
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+ | {{bio-stub}} | ||
==References== | ==References== |